10 Who Make a Difference: Anita Zeidman, a godsend to Nassau County

Sunday

Even at the age of 85, after a long career in advertising and after overcoming numerous hurdles in her personal life, Anita Zeidman shows no signs of slowing down.

A native of New Jersey, Zeidman worked in the advertising department of various publications since 1945 - most notably working a long-term stint at The New York Times.

But it is neither her professional achievements, nor her diverse past that make her such an impressive person to those who know her.

Rather, it is her zestful embrace of life and her knack for helping others.

She is the unofficial greeter for Nassau County's Habitat for Humanity, making sure every new volunteer feels welcome. She coordinates an annual Mother's Day tribute to Micah's Place, a local women's shelter.

She mentors a seventh-grade girl through Nassau County's Take Stock in Children. And that isn't the half of it.

Between supporting the arts in various ways on Amelia Island or working as a bell-ringer for The Salvation Army during the Christmas season, Zeidman manages to stay busy.

Her two neighbors who nominated her, Susan Mowery and Lynne Anderson, describe her as a "dynamo" and as having the "energy and enthusiasm of a woman half her age."

"When I moved here it was after a very busy life," Zeidman said.

She and her husband retired to a senior community in the Fort Myers area - something she quickly became bored of. After her husband passed away, she knew she had to make a move. She came to Amelia Island in 2004.

"I got involved in volunteer opportunities to keep busy," Zeidman said. "Habitat is filled with interesting guys, ex-doctors, ex-plumbers, and they still want to be busy."

So, what's her secret?

"I don't do anything unless I want to do it. I don't do anything out of guilt," she said.

"I have always had good health and energy and a strong philosophy that I take it each day at a time," she said. "I don't waste a lot of time worrying about yesterday or what might have been."

"And, I love living on this island."

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